Springbok and DHL Stormers flank Schalk Burger is in hospital with bacterial meningitis. This statement was issued by the Burger family:

“We as a family herewith would like to advise all the fans, supporters, sponsors and employers of Schalk that he was yesterday afternoon diagnosed as having contracted bacterial meningitis following an operation to reduce pressure on a nerve that was influencing the performance of his calf muscle.

“Given a successful recovery, he will remain in hospital for the next 14 days and where after it will be at least another six weeks before he will be fit for playing.

“We would like to thank the specialists looking after him, and are doing a marvelous job, as well as everyone who has sent their best wishes, given the tough time he, his wife Michele and son Schalk are going through.